The California Forest Conservation Plan
Wildfires have burned millions of acres across California. These large-scale, high-severity wildfires are devastating to communities, infrastructure and forest-dwelling wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to working with public and private partners to create healthier, more resilient forests across California.
In response to our partners’ efforts to increase the pace and scale of forest fuels reduction projects across the state, the Service is developing the California Forest Conservation Plan. This Plan will accelerate forest fuels reduction project compliance required under the Endangered Species Act, balance project activities with the needs of wildlife, and apply consistent wildlife conservation measures across public and private lands.
Virtual Briefing
A virtual briefing on the Plan was held on October 29, 2024. The virtual briefing provided an overview of the Plan, described how it will work, and outlined who can participate and when. The presentation was recorded and can be accessed via the link below (it will take you to the Service's YouTube channel). You can also download the transcript of the presentation, as well as the PowerPoint slides.
FAQ
This FAQ will be added to and updated frequently. Please check back regularly for new information.
What is the California Forest Conservation Plan?
The wildfire crisis in California is outpacing efforts to protect communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources. Numerous threatened and endangered species occur on lands that are at risk for catastrophic wildfires. The California Forest Conservation Plan will accelerate forest fuels reduction project compliance required under the Endangered Species Act, balance the needs of wildlife with these projects, and apply consistent wildlife conservation actions across public and private lands. The California Forest Conservation Plan is a General Conservation Plan accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement for forest fuels reduction activities. Public and private land managers will be able to participate in the plan.
How large is the Plan?
The Plan will be rolled out across the state using a phased approach. This first Plan Area will cover 3,149,329 acres of public and private forested lands in Plumas, Butte, Sierra, Yuba and Nevada counties. The Plan Area encompasses the entirety of Plumas and Tahoe National Forests. The Plan Area covers the impacts of forest fuels reduction activities on 11 covered species.
When will I be able to sign on to the Plan?
We aim to publish a draft California Forest Conservation Plan with this first Plan Area in the Federal Register in 2025. We will announce when the Plan is final. Participation in the Plan will be voluntary.
